‘Chinese’ cyber spy ring accused of targeting key players in Belt and Road Initiative
- Annual report by US security firm FireEye says group has been collecting business intelligence focusing on sectors such as engineering, transport and defence
- Evidence links the group to the Chinese island of Hainan and its activities are concentrated on Southeast Asia
A cyber espionage group is believed to be targeting key countries for China’s Belt and Road Initiative with a particular focus on sectors such as engineering, transport and defence, a US security firm has warned.
In its “M-Trends 2019” report, FireEye, which has been active in exposing Chinese espionage activities in the past, identified the group as Advanced Persistent Threat 40 (APT40), saying its researchers had concluded with “high confidence” that it was part of China’s online spying operations.
It said the group’s activities dated back to at least January 2013 and its victims included “maritime targets, defence, aviation, chemicals, research/education, government and technology organisations”.
“Target countries are concentrated in Southeast Asia or are host to global entities involved in maritime issues, such as shipping or naval technology,” the report said.
The research report, which is released annually, said that APT40 targeted government-sponsored projects and was collecting “business intelligence on major projects and agreements” related to the Belt and Road Initiative.